Beauty juggernaut YSL trains staff to help victims of domestic violence

With one Australian woman killed every week by their former or current partner, a major beauty giant is set to expose the deadly issue at the makeup counters. See how.

Adella Beaini

@adellabeaini

3 min read

February 17, 2024 - 5:00AM

News Corp Australia Network

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Exclusive: Chef and food author Bridget Foliaki-Davis admits to having used make-up in the past to “cover up crimes by an intimate partner”.

“It was my first port of call when I was beaten around the face and neck,” the 49-year-old said.

The mother-of-three – who once famously cooked her “best eggs in the world” for Oprah Winfrey – has welcomed a plan by high-end brand YSL to train its make-up artists to help identify domestic violence victims.

“I lost count of the amount of black eyes, swollen limbs, strangle marks, bite marks and bruises so deep they took weeks to disappear that I covered up,” Ms Foliaki-Davis said.

“Had someone intervened earlier with support, maybe I wouldn’t have allowed it to continue for as long as it did.”

Domestic violence survivor Bridget Foliaki-Davis pictured at her home in Sydney today. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The beauty juggernaut has partnered with FVREE, a specialist family violence service provider, to educate beauty advisers, employees and young Aussies on intimate partner violence red flags.

FVREE’s program manager Brianna Myors said victims are more likely to confide in their beautician about their experiences of family violence.

“People in these roles have a unique opportunity to provide a safe space, spot the signs of intimate partner violence and refer women to the right supports,” Ms Myors said.

“Our work within the hair and salon industry has revealed that almost all salon workers who have undertaken our training, have seen signs of family and intimate partner violence or experienced a disclosure.

“We expect it will be the same in the beauty industry.”

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with Chef and food author Bridget Foliaki-Davis. Picture: Supplied

9 warning signs to look out for in DV relationships. Picture: Supplied

In Australia, one woman is killed every week by her current or former partner, while 2.3 million have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner since the age of 15.

Under YSL’s “Abuse is Not Love” initiative, more than 1000 employees and young Aussies have already undergone the training, with hundreds more expected to take part this year.

YSL National Makeup artist Bianca Downward

“Our training encourages everyone to be vigilant for various signs, including physical indicators like bruises, and torn hair,” Ms Myors said.

“Yet, some cues may be subtle. Observe changes in their behaviour like a reluctance to make eye contact, self-deprecating language, or references to a controlling partner.

“Instances like requesting separate payments due to fear of a partner’s anger can also raise concerns. Clients buying makeup to conceal bruises may signal distress.”

YSL’s global head of brand corporate engagement Juleah Love said a lot of the times signs of abuse can be “masked as acts of love” and difficult to see or detect.

Domestic violence organisation FVREE CEO Chris Mathieson and manager of prevention and education trainer Brianna Myors.

“As a company its important to train employees, as intimate personal violence can happen to anyone, and oftentimes colleagues can be someone’s only support or lifeline,” Ms Love said.

“It’s important to equip as many people as possible with the necessary tools to know how to be able to seek or offer support if needed.

“By educating people about the signs of abuse, having an open conversation, and signposting support services, we hope to destigmatise talking about abusive behaviours and getting help if someone needs it.”